New York—It’s a high-tech Chanukah this year with the first 3-D printed electronic dreidels developed as part of the CIJE-Tech Middle School (MS) Engineering Program.

The Chanukah project with a twist was conceived as part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum provided to Jewish day schools nationwide by the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE).

Students at some of the 160 CIJE schools nationwide were assigned the project to build the motorized electronic component that would make the 3-D printed dreidels spin at the push of a button. Each student had to solder their connections to the tiny circuit board that controlled the motor and assemble the components.

The electronic dreidels were conceived by CIJE West Coast Operations Director, Dr. Adrian Krag, as part of the biomedical curriculum to aid kids and “kids at heart” who may have difficulties spinning a dreidel themselves.

“You can see the wonder and amazement in the students’ eyes, watching the dreidels spin, and see what they assembled actually work,” says Sarah Goldstein, CIJE West Coast educational director.” They were so proud of their accomplishment, and their success was right there, spinning before their eyes.”

The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (www.thecije.org) provides STEM and general studies programs. In the CIJE-Tech MS program, students are engaged in team collaboration, innovative thinking and problem solving. Each class receives equipment and materials from CIJE and the teachers undergo specialized training to “reorient” how they approach class material.

“Our CIJE-TECH programs enable students to address problems and develop solutions while becoming adept and knowledgeable at engineering to prepare for future careers,” Goldstein adds.”

To see the dreidels in action, check out http://tinyurl.com/zqflqp2.